I have the Delta, I like it too. I've had it 12 years now. No problems
other than belts. They aren't really a problem though. They're just the
only part I've been able to wear out. I've looked at the Shop Fox. I
kind of like it too. The RPM range is wider.
If I had to buy another one tomorrow, I'd go right back to the Delta. A
2 year warranty that you will probably never need, a reputation for
woodworking tools, Delta., Yep. It matches my other bluish-gray tools
in the glow of the flourecent T-8s too.
Tom in KY, You might look at a Grizzly,,

I swapped in Power Twist link belts on my Jet DP and it made a
significant difference in vibration. How they'll last I don't know, as
they only have 6 months of occasional use so far.
Biggest swap out was the chuck. The original owner got a replacement
from Jet when the first one had excessive run out. He said the new one
was much better and it ran out > .008 at 1" from the chuck! Jeez! My
repacement is < .001 at 1" and just feels a lot smoother and doesn't
wander at entry even with twist bits. Albrecht makes good chucks!
Regards.
Tom

G'day Gary,
Yep, sure have. As you say they save a few bob and do last longer. They
are also much more readily available. The only problem I had was fitting
one to my lathe. Couldn't get a belt short enough, so a few extra holes
so as to mount the engine lower and bob's ya auntie.
regards
John

<snip>
I question whether a Delta bought today is the same as the one you
bought twelve years ago ? Maybe it is ..... I just wonder ?
We have the Delta (Taiwan), purchased about 2 years ago to replace one
(also Delta but made in the USA) that was probably 20 years old.
Had trouble with the first chuck, got a replacement that was fine.
Overall the drill has performed well, no real complaints. I will say
though that Grizzly has one of the best parts service I have had
experience with, quick and very helpful. YMMV
Lenny

I'm in the same position (have some bonus money coming that SHMBO says
are mine to spend - she likes the work I've done to the house lately ;)
but will go with the Shop Fox. I looked at the equivalent Delta recently
but liked a friend's Shop Fox better. Even the Jet, in the same class,
looked better. The Delta didn't impress me at all. ...but what do I know?

Delta is coming out with a new model. Two axes tilting table and laser. If
you have a need for this feature, you might want to wait a bit. Read this
today here:
<http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/toolpreview.cfm
Couple clicks down the page.

Not another Delta 17-965.
.001" runout. Seems well-built.
BUT the first motor I had vibrated so badly that wood would walk off the table.
A link-belt ($25) was needed to make the tool useable.
Delta customer support was helpful and back-ordered a second motor for me
which took a couple months to get in stock. It vibrates less but has an
audible rattle when run vertically as installed in the drill-press.

Thank you all for your input. However I did not follow my own choices .
Went to woodcrafter in clearwater and bought the Jet. $399 minus 10%
minus $25 rebate. Think the rebates gimmick should go though. Give back
money they overcharged in the first place. We are hooked on rebates
now. Cannot get off this addiction. Again thanks.

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